Considering going from a housing association accommodation to private rent?

[Deleted User]

Yes I agree, you need to work on finding the exceptional circumstances.  It seems to me that being scared to go out because of social issues in the area is exceptional circumstances.  No one should live in fear of their neighbourhood.

I'm afraid Private Rental properties do get sold, the LL gets fed up, needs the cash, whatever and you are expected to move.  This can happen repeatedly.  It does happen that people stay in private rentals for years, but its the exception rather than the rule.  I'm afraid the older you get, the more difficult it will be to move.  I'd avoid this at all costs if you can.

Do you have friends and family in a different area.., it might be worth exploring moving there (particularly if there are more over 55 HA properties).  I know where I used to live, it was hard to get normal social housing but a lot easier to get over 55 social housing.  Obviously its not like this everywhere.

letsbetfair

Agree that it's best not to move from your HA place to a private rent before trying everything humanly possible to avoid that. As well as the risk of a landlord evicting you - you could be forced to move more than once a year - there's also the risk of private rents in your preferred area rising and you being unable to afford to stay in the area.
Can you speak to your local councillor?